Tommy Thompson waits for members to see him and renew their memberships in MCREA.
Our excellent speakers from AAA Travel, Marge Koser and Maureen Ray told us about many travel opportunities coming up this summer. How about a surprise trip? AAA only tells the travelers the temperatures to expect, so that they can pack accordingly, and the length of the trip. Then when the date is announced to sign on, the phones ring like mad at the Lakewood Ranch AAA office as people clamber to get in on the action. If you think you might be one of those brave souls, call Marge Koser at the LWK AAA to find out more.
At the May meeting, the new officers of MCREA will be installed. Also coming up at that meeting is a vote on changing the Bylaws to include a statement about the procedures that must be taken should MCREA ever be dissolved. This is a directive from the FREA to handle the financial situation should that occur. Of course, we do not see that happening with our active group.
I spent a couple of afternoons grading the donated books to be included in the last distribution of backpacks of food for FELT when school ends for summer break. They were wonderfully illustrated and engaging, and I know most of them came from MCREA members. Thank you for those donations. Of course, we are still collecting food item and books. Also, the Manatee County Food Bank appreciates our donations of food and money. We are also collecting items for distribution at nursing homes around the county.
Our Treasurer, Ron Schneider, has been chosen Volunteer of the Year for District 7, FREA. Not only is Ron a tremendous worker for MCREA, he also volunteers for the Rotary Club and many other organizations around the county. We are very proud of him and grateful for his work keeping the books straight for us.
The Scholarship Committee met and awarded a $500 scholarships to Melea Willett of Southeast High School who will attend the University of Florida. Melea is also a recipient of the FREA Scholarship which awards her $500 for her freshman year and then incremental awards for the last three years. Another scholarship for $500 was awarded to Erin Tribble of Manatee High School who will attend the State College of Florida. Both of these students will also be considered for another MCREA grant in their junior years should they continue their goal of becoming educators and should they maintain good grades. Thank you to all members who contributed funds for those scholarships. We hope to have both young ladies as guests at our May meeting along with their parent or parents.
And that brings us to the most important information in the note. Please come to the May 16th lunch at Renaissance on 9th. Try to arrive at 11 to 11:15 to visit with friends and discuss your summer plans. The program is rather open and informal, officially billed as a picnic. I suppose that means wear comfy summer clothes and expect potato salad, or maybe hotdogs? Anyway, it will be fun for all with lots of games and prizes.
If you do not hear from your caller before Friday, May 10, please call Mary Ann Jensen at 756-7603.
Ellen
